Getting to Know… Brad Katona

Today we’re “Getting to Know” Brad Katona who is in the midst of a run on The Ultimate Fighter 27: Undefeated. Katona won his opening round matchup against Kyler Phillips by Majority Decision. This Wednesday Katona is set to take on Bryce Mitchell in a semi-final matchup on TSN2 at 10pm et.

Name: Brad Katona

Height: 5’6″

Walking Around Weight: 152lbs

MMA Competition Weight Class: Bantamweight/Featherweight

Date of Birth: December 19, 1991

City Born In: Winnipeg, MB

City Currently Residing In: Dublin, Ireland

First Job: Delivering newspapers when I was quite young. My first “real” job was as a dishwasher at a restaurant.

Favorite UFC Fighter: Since the beginning I’ve always been a big fan of Frankie Edgar.

MMA Inspirations/Mentor/Idol: Nobody in particular. I’ve always appreciated the stories of many fighters but never used one to inspire me.

First Martial Arts Memory: My most vivid memory from a young age was in Karate as a 5 year old boy practicing Hein Shodan as a white belt.

Greatest MMA Moment to Date: I don’t think there was a better rush in life than winning my first grappling match in Steinbach, MB as a 15 year old boy. The nerves for that match was something I had never felt before in my life and motivated me on the path that I’m now on.

Funniest MMA Fighter that You Know: Eric Perez in small enough doses. Though this won’t be good for his ego…

Toughest MMA Competitors Encountered: Patrick Ward. When I fought him he was 1-0 and although I knew some would underestimate him, I took that match very seriously and he gave me a heck of a fight.

Most Memorable Finish: My first professional fight when I stopped Michael Hay with a liver shot. Time slowed right down and it’s one of the most vivid memories I have of a fight. Hearing Bas Rutten talk about it on Inside MMA was amazing.

Cage or Ring: Cage 100%

Embarrassing MMA Memory: Missing weight against Michael Hay. There are no good excuses.

Funny MMA Memory: In my first amateur fight I took my opponent down and Eric Perez yelled, “Eeeesh, not one of these…”. Also, I was in a guillotine and made eye contact with an old toothless man yelling, “Now you’re fu$#ed, NOW YOU”RE FU$#ED!” Meanwhile, I was in side mount and nowhere near being in danger.

Favorite MMA Move (finish/strike): Rear Naked Choke. No can defend.

Favorite Sport Outside of MMA: To watch, Rugby. I’m not nearly man enough to play it though.

Favorite Food: Everything. Sushi, pizza, backyard BBQ, cinnamon buns or any other baked item. Even a well made sandwich rocks my world. So, pretty much everything.

He doesn’t have a new accent, that’s his voice. And what’s with the hate? This kid works hard and is one of the most genuine nice people you will ever meet. I am happy for him and glad that he is making his way in by WINNING fights and not talking his way in. Kudos Brad, well deserved.

Yep, 100% his real voice. It’s just some kind of lisp/impediment I believe. I remember him cornering some WAMMA guys years ago and hearing the same voice shouting out instructions. It’s very distinct so it definitely stood out.